The Portland Timbers were founded in 2009 and had to wait until 2013 to make the playoffs for the first time. However, they followed that initial appearance with winning the MLS Cup just two years after. There were understandably raised expectations after that 2015 win and they just couldn’t meet those expectations.
This forced Caleb Porter to resign at the end of last season and his replacement has taken them to the playoffs yet again and they would be looking to get to the finals here. Their end of season run of strong form was the major catalyst in reaching this stage and having seen off FC Dallas and Seattle Saunders to reach here, they would want to make it count.
Sporting KC are one of the oldest teams in the MLS at the moment. They have won the MLS Cup on two occasions and have also won the Supporters’ Shield on numerous occasions. They ended their season in terrific form and they would be looking to take that good run of form into this game as they bid to win their 3rd MLS Cup.
Portland Timbers have won five of their last six in all competitions, Sporting Kansas City meanwhile are unbeaten in their last seven, and the last game between these two finished goalless at Providence Park.
